Cognitive tunneling: use of visual information under stress.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Experimental laboratory study using a factorial design with repeated measures (by non-clinical design analogy, Oxford CEBM Level 3).
PubMed 6844068 · doi:10.2466/pms.1983.56.1.191
What was done
High school volunteers completed a peripheral visual discrimination task measuring choice reaction time across two stress conditions: performing alone (low stress) or in the presence of an evaluative audience (high stress). A 2 x 3 order of presentation by practice design with repeated measures on practice was used, and pulse rate served as a manipulation check for arousal to test Easterbrook's cue utilization hypothesis.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data, baseline pulse rates, reaction times, or effect sizes. It notes that findings partially supported the hypothesis, showing that participants could attend to a peripherally located primary visual task under stress without a performance decrement.
Why it matters
This study provides experimental evidence distinguishing cognitive or attentional tunneling under social-evaluative stress from strict anatomical visual narrowing.
Limits
The abstract omits sample size, demographic breakdown beyond high school age, specific reaction time values, and statistical effect sizes. The stress induction was limited to social-evaluative threat, which may not generalize to physical or high-stakes operational stressors.
Cited by
- context High levels of adrenaline narrow the visual field and alter depth perception, creating tunnel vision focused on the immediate target.